The capital of Bulgaria is Sofiya, a city of over 213,000 inhabitants. In this scene we see one of Bulgaria's peasant women dressed in characteristic garb. They are best seen at the early morning market, when they bring their fresh produce in for sale. Here we also see the coffee-house with tables on the sideswalk, so much in evidence all over Europe.

The country has been much in the eyes of the world ever since the Balkan Wars of 1912 and 1913. In coalition with Greece, Serbia and Montenegro, Bulgaria became the principal force in the defeat of the Turkish armies in 1912. Strife over the division of captured territory resulted in an internal war among the powers that had combined against Turkey. In this Bulgaria was worsted by the other three, aided by Rumania. When in 1914 all Europe was aflame with the World War, Montenegro and Serbia joined the Allies at once, as did Greece and Rumania eventually. Bulgaria, however, cast in her lot with Turkey and the Central Powers and the end of the war found the little country still further decreased in size.

Even the signing of treaties and the theoretical return of peace has not restored order and safety to Bulgaria. One king has abdicated, one violent overturn of the government has been succeeded by another, and the assassination of King Boris has been attempted on several occasions. Alarmed by the feuds of opposing political factions, a military coup d'etat, long planned, was successfully executed. This took place on May 19 1934, and was accomplished without bloodshed. All political parties were abolished and a Fascist form of government was set up.